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Divonne-les-Bains and Switzerland: the border, customs and routes

severinelimon
Oct 14
5 min read

“Is Divonne in Switzerland?” Many people ask this question, and it’s easy to see why: when travelling by road from Coppet, you cross the border almost without realising it (unless you spot our pretty town entrance and Lake Divonne-les-Bains! The answer is no. Yet Switzerland begins right on the town’s doorstep, and it shapes the daily lives of many Divonnais residents: the morning bus to Coppet station, the vignette stuck to the windscreen, the payslip in Swiss francs. Here’s what you need to know before moving here.


Is Divonne-les-Bains in Switzerland?


No. Divonne-les-Bains is a French commune in the Ain department, in the Pays de Gex region, postcode 01220. It has a population of just over 10,000.

It does, however, border four Swiss municipalities, all in the canton of Vaud: Chavannes-de-Bogis, Bogis-Bossey, Crassier and La Rippe.


The two border crossings at Divonne


Two road crossings link Divonne to the canton of Vaud: the Crassier border crossing, towards Nyon, and the Chavannes-de-Bogis border crossing, towards Coppet and the Geneva–Lausanne motorway.

The time taken to cross varies considerably depending on the time of day and the day of the week. We strongly advise you to make the journey to work on a weekday morning at the time you would actually be travelling.

Please note: whether travelling by car or by bus, you must carry valid identification to cross the border.


By bus: Coppet, Nyon and Geneva without a car


Two routes operated by Transports publics de la région nyonnaise (TPN) serve Divonne.

  • Route 814, Divonne – Coppet. It passes through the Chavannes-de-Bogis border post and goes to Coppet station, where you can catch a train (CFF and Léman Express) to Geneva or Lausanne. In Divonne, it stops at the border post (park-and-ride), the swimming pool, Perdtemps, the old station and Arbère.

  • Route 818, Gex – Divonne – Nyon. It runs to Nyon station via Crassier and Eysins. In Divonne, it serves Vésenex, Rue de la Scie, Perdtemps, the Old Station and Arbère. On weekdays, it operates 23 return journeys, with a bus every 30 minutes during peak hours.


Approximate journey times by public transport, departing from the Divonne Perdtemps stop on a weekday morning at around 7.30 am:

  • Coppet: 23 minutes on route 814.

  • Nyon: 30 minutes on route 818, without changing.

  • Geneva Cornavin station: 38 minutes, on route 814 followed by the train from Coppet.

  • Geneva Airport: 52 to 54 minutes, on route 814 followed by two trains.

  • Lausanne: 1 hour 12 minutes to 1 hour 16 minutes, via Nyon or Coppet.

As for fares, since 14 December 2025, a single ticket costs €1.60 for the French section of the journey, CHF 3.20 for one Mobilis zone and CHF 3.90 for two zones. Monthly season tickets cost €34, CHF 71 and CHF 78 respectively.


By car: the Swiss motorway with the vignette


On the Swiss side, the Geneva–Lausanne motorway can be accessed via the Coppet–Divonne exit. A vignette is required: 40 CHF for 2026, valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027, available as a sticker or in an electronic version linked to the number plate. Without a vignette, the fine is CHF 200, plus the cost of the vignette.


Working in Switzerland whilst living in Divonne


If you work in Switzerland, there are three issues worth considering before signing a preliminary sales agreement.


The G permit


The G permit is for cross-border workers. For a European Union national, this generally requires returning home every day, or at least once a week. It is valid for five years for a permanent contract or one lasting more than a year.


Taxes: Geneva and Vaud, two different systems


  • You work in the canton of Geneva. Your salary is taxed at source in Switzerland. If at least 90 per cent of your household income is taxable in Switzerland, you may obtain quasi-resident status and apply each year for a subsequent ordinary tax assessment.

  • You work in the canton of Vaud. The Franco-Swiss agreement of 11 April 1983 applies: your salary is taxable in France. It also applies to the cantons of Bern, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Valais, Neuchâtel and Jura.

  • Remote working. Working from home. Since 1 January 2026, a cross-border worker may work from home for up to 40 per cent of their annual working time without changing their country of taxation. Beyond that, their salary becomes taxable in France.


These rules have a direct impact on your budget and your borrowing capacity. Have your situation checked by a tax adviser or your bank before committing yourself.


Health insurance: a choice to be made within three months


A cross-border worker must choose between Swiss health insurance (LAMal) and French health insurance within three months of taking up employment in Switzerland or settling in France. This choice is irrevocable, unless there is a change in circumstances, such as returning to work after a period of unemployment or retirement.


What this means for your property search


For a buyer working in Switzerland, the right neighbourhood depends first and foremost on the journey.


If you work in Nyon or the Lausanne area: areas served by the 818 bus route, such as Vésenex, mean you can avoid having to change transport.


If you work in Geneva or fly frequently: line 814 and the park-and-ride facility at the border crossing take you directly to the train at Coppet.


If you mainly travel by car: proximity to the border crossing leading to your workplace matters more than the distance to the city centre.


Frequently Asked Questions


Is Divonne-les-Bains in Switzerland?

No. It is a French commune in the Ain department, bordering four communes in the canton of Vaud.

What is the postcode for Divonne-les-Bains?

01220, a postcode shared with Grilly and Sauverny.

How long does it take to get to Geneva by public transport?

Around 40 minutes to Cornavin station on a weekday morning, taking the 814 bus and then the train from Coppet.

Do you need a motorway vignette to drive to Geneva or Lausanne?

Yes, as soon as you use the Swiss motorway: CHF 40 for the 2026 vignette.


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